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Students take part in a chess practice. Mind games will also be included in school competetions starting next year
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Sports Desk
The Uganda Primary Schools Sports Association (UPSSA) will, starting next year, include mind games and racket sports in primary schools competitions. This was revealed by UPSSA President William Bwambale as he reviewed this year’s primary schools sports activities, which climaxed with the ball games held in Yumbe District. Bwambale said that, in line with their mandate to promote talent identification and development from the primary school level, the executive has proposed an increase in the number of competition disciplines from five to eight to achieve this goal.
“Starting next year, we are going to add more disciplines to give learners more opportunities to participate, compete, and discover their talents. We want to make the competitions a massive involvement for all children in primary schools,” Bwambale said.
Under 15 football
He, however, acknowledged that funding remains a major challenge, as the increase in the number of disciplines will automatically lead to more participants — and, consequently, a greater financial burden. Currently, about 8,000 pupils gather for the national primary schools competitions.
“We are thankful to the government for its continued financial support towards primary schools competitions. However, with the expected increase in numbers, financial challenges have emerged. We have, however, received assurances from the minister and commissioner that funding will increase with time,” he added.
Netball action
Currently, primary schools competitions include kids athletics and ball games, where pupils compete in netball, handball, football, volleyball, and woodball. Bwambale revealed that chess, scrabble, and table tennis will be added starting next year.
For the 2026 edition, Mubende and Ibanda districts have applied to host the ball games, while Tororo and Moroto have applied to host the kids athletics competitions.
Uganda’s primary schools also participate in the FEASSA Games. They won the overall title in the 2024 edition, but in this year’s games held in Kakamega, Kenya, they finished second to the hosts.
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